The imposing Birmingham Symphony Hall has a reputation for its acoustic performance. Part of the acoustic control is a 35tonne acoustic hood situated directly above the stage. The hood, which is supported by 28 cable assemblies, can be raised and lowered with servo assistance to vary the acoustics for a particualr performance. The hood is also used to mount additional lighting and audio equipment. Monitoring the loads carried by the hood to ensure the cables are not overstressed, is a system designed and supplied by PCM, built around a special strain gauge load link transducer.
Acoustic hood above stage

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